As rescuers continue to pull survivors out of Hurricane Helen's flooding, some people are turning their attention to other survivors in need, including pets and livestock trapped in the storm-hit South. are.
Other videos show horses being dragged through chest-deep water in devastated rural areas, including Good Samaritans removing several horses from flooded farms. A video of the rescue was also included. told Newsweek Workers were unable to contact them due to the storm and were left stranded in dangerous conditions.
And in Catawba, South Carolina, 11 horses were rescued in a single operation in the midst of flooding Friday night. According to WBTV.
The storm, which killed at least 189 people in six states, not only left millions without power, but also left entire communities without a reliable source of drinking water.
These animal shortages mean that many rescued animals have yet to make it out of the forest, not to mention countless other animals that are already rescued.
In response, animal shelters outside the affected areas have stepped up to help, with animal rescue groups across the country not only sending supplies but also accepting transportation of animals to be rescued in new cities and to help find homes. .
The Asheville Humane Society (an area hard hit by Helen and with many still missing) has evacuated at least 100 animals since the storm passed, largely due to the loss of safe drinking water. .
“Drinking and clean water is an essential resource for keeping animals happy and hydrated, but it's also essential for cleaning kennels and medical procedures,” said Colleen Daly, content coordinator for the Asheville Humane Society. “It's also necessary to be prepared and make sure to disinfect your hands.” told Citizen Times.
“And given that situation, it's very difficult, if not impossible, to manage the number of animals that we have in our care,” she said.
“This will be an unprecedented challenge in the care of our animals.”
From as far away as Rhode Island and Massachusetts to Wisconsin, efforts have begun to rescue animals left adrift after Helen's destruction.
Fourteen dogs from the storm-ravaged Aiken County Animal Shelter in South Carolina are scheduled to arrive Thursday morning at the Animal Potter League in Middletown, Rhode Island. According to the Providence Journal.
In Massachusetts, MSPCA-Angell has already taken in dozens of animals from storm-ravaged shelters in the South. WCVB reports.
And halfway across the country, in Waukesha, Wisconsin, more than 100 animals landed at the local airport Tuesday morning and were taken in by the Humane Animal Welfare Society.
“We support the removal of shelters so that the animals can go home to loving families,” said Maggie Tate Techtman, the association's executive director. told TMJ4.
